The Ford Barn

Jim Brierley · 07-20-2021, 11:59 AM

F.S. Ignitions. I've just ordered a complete system from them. They have a great web site but due to technical difficulties, their e-mail has been changed to [email protected]. They are easy to deal with and will tailor their dist. to your desires.

GeneBob · 07-20-2021, 12:18 PM

For those who are wondering:
"Tailoring your distributor" may involve limiting the total spark advance built into the distributor. When running high compression with a more aggressive cam etc, you need to be sure you do not run your total advance too far out (like more than 28°-30° total).

Kinner · 07-20-2021, 01:10 PM

I was on my 3rd condenser so just installed a FSI Zipper with the centrifugal advance. Sean at FSI is great to deal with. We are in hilly country in the Shenandoah Valley. I also have a 5.5 head. We set the total advance at 20 degrees with a later curve. Only have about 40 miles but so far seems good. I also have a temp gauge which I feel will help to see if its running to much retard for the condition. I feel FSI is a top notch company.

JOHNCL · 07-20-2021, 04:28 PM

Thank you, Jim, for the info.

For What It Is Worth: My "C" engine with the Dan Price OHV head should not be run with more than 26 degrees TOTAL advance according to Ora Landis the engine builder. I plan on an FSI Zipper with centrifugal advance and Ora told me he modifies it accordingly.

rfitzpatrick · 07-20-2021, 05:49 PM

Sean at FSI will work with you later if your a need. Also sells a system that uses your original manual advance

Jim Brierley · 07-21-2021, 10:59 AM

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You guys are right on with advance figures. My head is a little different than most and 20* total is about right for it. Sean had called me a month or so about tailoring one for my head, like stated above, he is good to deal with.

GeneBob · 07-21-2021, 02:33 PM

I don't mean to nit-pick or confuse folks but:
Make sure you keep the terms straight. There is the initial advance that you set your spark to when the distributor is installed in the engine.
Then there is the advance built into the distributor (auto advance) that adds to the initial advance when the RPM's are increased.
Then there is total advance which is the upper limit of the sum of initial advance and the built in distributor advance.
Sometimes people confuse total advance with the distributor's built in advance. Your engine builder or HC head manufacturer will have a suggestion for the best total advance as well as your initial advance setting which will provide you with what you want your built in advance should be limited to (often on the order of 20°).
There, that wasn't confusing, was it?

Bruce of MN · 07-21-2021, 04:44 PM

That distinction is correct, of course, but things are simplified if spark for starting is at TDC.

07-20-2021, 11:59 AM	#1
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Ignitions F.S. Ignitions. I've just ordered a complete system from them. They have a great web site but due to technical difficulties, their e-mail has been changed to [email protected]. They are easy to deal with and will tailor their dist. to your desires.

07-20-2021, 12:18 PM	#2
GeneBob Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Denver Area Posts: 433	Re: Ignitions For those who are wondering: "Tailoring your distributor" may involve limiting the total spark advance built into the distributor. When running high compression with a more aggressive cam etc, you need to be sure you do not run your total advance too far out (like more than 28°-30° total).

07-20-2021, 01:10 PM	#3
Kinner Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Elkton VA Posts: 28	Re: Ignitions I was on my 3rd condenser so just installed a FSI Zipper with the centrifugal advance. Sean at FSI is great to deal with. We are in hilly country in the Shenandoah Valley. I also have a 5.5 head. We set the total advance at 20 degrees with a later curve. Only have about 40 miles but so far seems good. I also have a temp gauge which I feel will help to see if its running to much retard for the condition. I feel FSI is a top notch company.

07-20-2021, 04:28 PM	#4
JOHNCL Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: northern Maryland Posts: 68	Re: Ignitions Thank you, Jim, for the info. For What It Is Worth: My "C" engine with the Dan Price OHV head should not be run with more than 26 degrees TOTAL advance according to Ora Landis the engine builder. I plan on an FSI Zipper with centrifugal advance and Ora told me he modifies it accordingly.

07-20-2021, 05:49 PM	#5
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 551	Re: Ignitions Sean at FSI will work with you later if your a need. Also sells a system that uses your original manual advance

07-21-2021, 10:59 AM	#6
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,085	Re: Ignitions Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You guys are right on with advance figures. My head is a little different than most and 20* total is about right for it. Sean had called me a month or so about tailoring one for my head, like stated above, he is good to deal with.

07-21-2021, 02:33 PM	#7
GeneBob Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Denver Area Posts: 433	Re: Ignitions I don't mean to nit-pick or confuse folks but: Make sure you keep the terms straight. There is the initial advance that you set your spark to when the distributor is installed in the engine. Then there is the advance built into the distributor (auto advance) that adds to the initial advance when the RPM's are increased. Then there is total advance which is the upper limit of the sum of initial advance and the built in distributor advance. Sometimes people confuse total advance with the distributor's built in advance. Your engine builder or HC head manufacturer will have a suggestion for the best total advance as well as your initial advance setting which will provide you with what you want your built in advance should be limited to (often on the order of 20°). There, that wasn't confusing, was it?

07-21-2021, 04:44 PM	#8
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Ignitions That distinction is correct, of course, but things are simplified if spark for starting is at TDC.